Aparigraha is the last Yama in Patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga. It often translates to non-greed and non-attachment. The practice of Aparigraha is a very advanced practice. This is NOT easy stuff.
Aparigraha: I like to think about it as the art of "letting go".
When I am slighted or mistreated it is easy to become absorbed in negative thought patterns, to feel hurt and to ruminate upon the source of the slight or mistreatment. This is a very painful and unhealthy place for my mind (and my body)to rest.
So in these times I call upon my "off the mat" yoga practice to support me and guide me towards the positive, or at least to not become steeped in the hurt, pain and anger other people put out into our world.
Aparigraha, or the art of letting go, is a truly challenging practice. Letting go of thoughts of cruel treatment, malicious intent and selfish motivation requires intentionality.
I am happier when I practice letting go.
I can look at the world with gentler eyes, a more open heart and a freedom to know that I do not need to stay attached to unpleasantness. I can choose to see the light, the positive and the good instead.
That is when and where I find freedom and happiness.
Happiness is a choice. I choose happiness. I choose light.
I just came across this post of yours from years back and it made me think of a self-help book I finished reading last week titled "Let That Sh*t Go". It was a bittersweet moment to read the end; it was so inspiring and true to living happily and intentionally despite intentional/unintentional mistreatment by different figures in our lives or day to day inconveniences. It places quite the emphasis on meditation and mindfullness as well, and continuously refers to our "chatty mind" as in our constant, busy subconscious/thoughts, and focuses on slowing it down and being more present. Eye opening and worth the read! 📖💟
Letting go is difficult. I've learned that everyone had their own story. We may not know the reason why they have hurt us. I chooses to believe it is never about me personally, but how they are reacting to something from their own personal story.